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Digital technology is crucial to improving a firm’s core competitiveness. However, the existing research on the relationship therein shows heterogeneity. Using digital technology can enhance competitive advantage, which is crucial for enterprises and scholars. Thus, based on the digital technology affordance theory, this study explores the relationship between digital technology affordance and digital competitive advantage.

Survey data were collected from 509 large and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in China, and multiple regression and structural equation modelling were used to test the hypotheses. Specifically, we discuss the mediating role of digital business capability and the moderating role of organisational legitimacy.

Editability, association and visibility positively affect digital competitive advantage, and their coordination is strong. Further, they can help enterprises gain a competitive advantage through the mediating role of digital business capability (digital strategy, digital integration and regulation). However, the influence effect and action path differ per in different dimensions. Organisational legitimacy positively moderates the mediating effect of digital integration and regulation, and there is a moderated mediating effect. However, the moderating effect on the mediating effect of digital strategy is not significant.

Existing studies neglect the relationship between the coordination of digital technology functions and digital competitive advantage. This study provides a new theoretical explanation for an in-depth understanding of these issues. These findings promote the development of innovation theory and provide valuable insights for guiding the application of digital technology in enterprises.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the government efforts in criminalising and combating bank fraud and corruption in China and their policy implications.

An integrated method is used to gather the data for this study, including government documents, statutes, congressional reports, legal cases, news reports, online survey and interviews with key policy‐makers, investigators and prosecutors.

This research finds that a major problem of bank fraud and corruption in China is the gigantic web of government officials, bank insiders and criminal businesses in committing fraud. The harshness of the Chinese law has not automatically resulted in making the struggle against bank fraud more effective. Law, enforcement and punishment are not certain, predictable, and applied consistently in order to deter fraud. Political, ideological and legal differences have hindered China's pursuit of escaped criminals in foreign countries.

This paper indicates that a three‐pronged approach – deterrence, prevention and education – is needed to address bank fraud and corruption. The industry's preventive efforts are of far greater importance than any extreme penalty. There is a need for a reconstruction of business ethics to ensure willing compliance with the law by individuals and organizations.

The paper is of value to law enforcement policy‐makers, banking regulators, financial institutions and academic researchers with interests in bank fraud and corruption issues.

This study investigated whether there are differences in the effects of green traditional media communication (GTMC) and green social media communication on consumers' intention to cocreate green value (ICGV) in post-COVID-19 China. The authors further tested the chain mediating role of cocreation efficacy and cocreation outcome expectation and the moderating role of perceived CSR image.

Using a survey, we collected a dataset of 683 consumers through stratified random sampling in main shopping malls in four Chinese cities. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the conceptual framework and hypotheses, and bootstrapping was used to estimate the mediated standardized regression coefficients. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the moderating effect.

GTMC, firm-created content (FCC), and user-generated content (UGC) all had positive effects on ICGV. Cocreation efficacy and cocreation outcome expectation had a chain mediation effect in GTMC and ICGV, UGC, and ICGV. Perceived CSR image positively moderated the effects of both GTMC and FCC on ICGV. However, perceived CSR image did not significantly moderate the relationship between UGC and ICGV.

This study contributes to our understanding of the effect of green media communication on consumers' ICGV in post-COVID-19 China. It also develops the concepts of cocreation efficacy and cocreation outcome expectation. Moreover, analyzing the chain mediating role of cocreation efficacy and cocreation outcome expectation in green media communication and ICGV extends social cognitive theory to the context of green value cocreation. Finally, examining the moderating role of perceived CSR image provides a basis for understanding the boundary conditions of green media communication's effect on ICGV.

This study investigates the fitting techniques for notch fatigue curves, seeking a more reliable method to predict the lifespan of welded structures.

Building on the fatigue test results of butt and cruciform joints, this research delves into the selection of fitting methods for the notch fatigue curve of welded joints. Both empirical formula and finite element methods (FEMs) were employed to assess the notch stress concentration factor at the toe and root of the two types of welded joints. Considering the mean stress correction and weld misalignment coefficients, the notch fatigue life curves were established using both direct and indirect methods.

An engineering example was employed to discern the differences between the direct and indirect approaches. The findings highlight the enhanced reliability of the indirect method for fitting the fatigue life curve.

While the notch stress approach is extensively adopted due to its accurate prediction of component fatigue life, most scholars have overlooked the importance of its curve fitting methods. Existing literature scantily addresses the establishment of these curves. This paper offers a focused examination of fatigue curve fitting techniques, delivering valuable perspectives on method selection.

The interaction between rock mass structural planes and dynamic stress levels is important to determine the stability of rock mass structures in underground geotechnical engineering. In this work, the authors aim to focus on the degradation effects of fracture geometric parameters and unloading stress paths on rock mechanical properties.

A three-dimensional Particle Flow Code (PFC3D) was used for a systematic numerical simulation of the strength failure and cracking behavior of granite specimens containing prefabricated cracks under conventional triaxial compression and triaxial unilateral unloading. The authors demonstrated the unique mechanical response of prefabricated fractured rock under two conditions. The crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence process of pre-fissured specimens were analyzed in detail.

The authors show that the prefabricated cracks and unilateral unloading conditions not only deteriorate the mechanical strength but also have significant differences in failure modes. The degrading effect of cracks on model strength increases linearly with the decrease of the dip angle. Under the condition of true triaxial unilateral unloading, the deterioration effect of peak strength of rock is very significant, and unloading plays a role in promoting the instability failure of rock after peak, making the rock earlier instability failure. Associating with the particle vector diagram and crack coalescence process, the authors find that model failure mode under unilateral loading conditions is obviously distinct from that in triaxial loading. The peak strain in the unloading direction increases sharply, resulting in a new shear slip.

This study is expected to improve the understanding of the strength failure and cracking behavior of fractured rock under unilateral unloading.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of data assets and how companies can assetize their data. Using the literature review methodology, the paper first summarizes the conceptual controversies over data assets in the existing literature. Subsequently, the paper defines the concept of data assets. Finally, keywords from the existing research literature are presented visually and a foundational framework for achieving data assetization is proposed.

This paper uses a systematic literature review approach to discuss the conceptual evolution and strategic imperatives of data assets. To establish a robust research methodology, this paper takes into account two main aspects. First, it conducts a comprehensive review of the existing literature on digital technology and data assets, which enables the derivation of an evolutionary path of data assets and the development of a clear and concise definition of the concept. Second, the paper uses Citespace, a widely used software for literature review, to examine the research framework of enterprise data assetization.

The paper offers pivotal insights into the realm of data assets. It highlights the changing perceptions of data assets with digital progression and addresses debates on data asset categorization, value attributes and ownership. The study introduces a definitive concept of data assets as electronically recorded data resources with real or potential value under legal parameters. Moreover, it delineates strategic imperatives for harnessing data assets, presenting a practical framework that charts the stages of “resource readiness, capacity building, and data application”, guiding businesses in optimizing their data throughout its lifecycle.

This paper comprehensively explores the issue of data assets, clarifying controversial concepts and categorizations and bridging gaps in the existing literature. The paper introduces a clear conceptualization of data assets, bridging the gap between academia and practice. In addition, the study proposes a strategic framework for data assetization. This study not only helps to promote a unified understanding among academics and professionals but also helps businesses to understand the process of data assetization.

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the machine design and control strategy of the permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) system, especially utilized in variable speed applications, in order to stabilize the output voltage on the dc link over a wide speed range.

Different ac/dc power converter topologies are comparatively studied, each with an accordingly designed PMSG, so as to investigate the influence of the armature winding inductance as well as the relationship between the PMSG and power converter topologies.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) rectifier is preferable for the said application due to its good performance and controllability. Moreover, by employing the PWM rectifier, relatively large inductance of the PMSG is considered for both short-circuit current reduction and field regulation.

Field-regulating control is realized with a space vector PWM (SVPWM) rectifier, which can weaken the PMSG magnetic field during high-speed operation, while even properly enhance the field at low speed, ensuring a small change of the PMSG output voltage and a stable dc voltage.

This study aims to investigate the friction coefficient of Al2O3–NbC nanocomposite obtained by spark plasma sintering sliding against a steel ball.

Tribological tests were carried out using a reciprocating nanotribometer in a ball on flat configuration with normal loads in the range from 10 to 100 mN under dry conditions. Surface changes were analyzed by confocal microscopy and 3D profilometry.

The values of the friction coefficient varied from 0.15 to 0.6 and are independent of the applied load.

The tribological behavior is attributed to fracture in the contact region and the effect of wear debris.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-08-2019-0356/

Inconel 718 is difficult to machine due to its high toughness and study hardenability. Though the use of cutting fluids alleviates the problem, it is not sustainable. So, supply of a small quantity of specialized coolant to the machining zone or use of a solid lubricant is a possible solution. The purpose of the present work is to improve machinability of Inconel718 using graphene nanoplatelets.

In the present study, graphene is used in the machining of Inconel 718 alloy. Graphene is applied in the following two forms: as a solid lubricant and as an inclusion in cutting fluid. Graphene-based self-lubricating tool and graphene added nanofluids are prepared and applied to turning of Inconel 718 at varying cutting velocities. Performances are compared by measuring cutting forces, cutting temperature, tool wear and surface roughness.

Graphene, in both forms, showed superior performance compared to dry machining. In total, 0.3 Wt.% graphene added nanofluids showed the lowest cutting tool temperature and flank wear with 44.95% and 83.37% decrease, respectively, compared to dry machining and lowest surface roughness, 0.424 times compared to dry machining at 87 m/min.

Graphene could improve the machinability of Inconel 718 when used in tools as a solid lubricant and also when used as a dispersant in cutting fluid. Graphene used as a dispersant in cutting fluid is found to be more effective.

Independent directors are important corporate decision participants and makers. Based on the Chinese cultural background, this paper interprets the listing order of independent directors as independent directors’ status, exploring their influence on the corporate research and development (R&D) behavior.

This paper studies A-share listed firms in China from 2008 to 2018 as the sample. The main method is ordinary least square (OLS) regression. We also use other methods to deal with endogenous problems, such as the firm fixed effect method, change model method, two-stage instrumental variable method, and Heckman two-stage method.

(1) Higher independent directors’ status attribute to more effective exertion of supervision and consultation function, and positively enhance the corporate R&D investment. The increase of the independent director’ status by one standard deviation will increase the R&D investment by 4.6%. (2) The above effect is more influential in firms with stronger traditional culture atmosphere, higher information opacity and higher performance volatility. (3) High-status independent directors promote R&D investment by improving the scientificity of R&D evaluation and reducing information asymmetry. (4) The enhancing effect of independent director’ status on R&D investment is positively associated with the firm’s patent output and market value.

This paper contributes to understanding the relationship between the independent directors’ status and their duty execution from an embedded cultural background perspective. The findings of the study enlighten the improvement of corporate governance efficiency and the healthy development of the capital market.